Kurt Cobain: Manchester mural to mark anniversary of star's death

Nirvana played in Manchester twice

A new mural is to be painted to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of a rock star Kurt Cobain near two venues he played in a city.

The mural in the centre of Manchester will honour Nirvana's lead singer, who was found dead on 5 April 1994 after taking his own life.

It is due to appear on the side of The Bread Shed, a live music venue and event space, just off Oxford Road.

It aims to raise awareness of text support charity - Shout 85258.

The mural has been commissioned by Headstock, the Manchester music and mental wellbeing festival.

It is being created by artist Akse P19, who has previously produced other Manchester murals including Joy Division's Ian Curtis (unveiled for a second time ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023) and The Prodigy's Keith Flint (completed ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day 2021).

"I was a big fan of Nirvana back in the day and we wanted to mark the anniversary," said Headstock founder Atheer Al-Salim.

"I have been told they got a mixed reaction to their first Manchester gig."

He added: "The mural's purpose is to raise awareness of mental health text message support service, Shout 85258, and the charity's logo and text support number will feature prominently on the artwork."

The band played two gigs in the city, not far from the mural site.

In 1989 they played the former Manchester Polytechnic and two years later their final gig in the city was at Manchester Academy.

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